Things I wish I'd known as a Student Social Worker

Key themes: Things I wish I had known as a social work student, tips for students and practitioner insights to university and front-line social work practice. I am a practicing social worker supporting adults and have experience working in various areas of the service. My voluntary background prior to qualifying was supporting children and families. I found the first year more difficult as I did not fully understand the relevance of what I was learning until I went on placement and saw the practical application of knowledge. Consolidating my knowledge meant that I went from getting low grades to a first class overall when I qualified. My second placement went very well and by the end I felt confident to go into practice in a statutory setting and got a job before I even unpacked my uni room! I hope the information shared helps people undertaking their social work journey.